The Salvation Army is collecting donations before going into 2025

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — With the year coming to an end, The Salvation Army (TSA) is encouraging community members to donate generously, so that no individual has to go without, no matter what time of year it is.

TSA is known to annually help almost 24 million Americans with hardships such as poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services.

They provide food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need.

TSA explains that donations taken by the year will help ensure food, shelter, rent and utility assistance, rehabilitation, and other critical services are available to those in need during 2025.

TSA’s statistics address people across America who are struggling:

• The number of those experiencing homelessness has increased by double digits.
• The cost of food has increased due to rising inflation.
• Nearly 1 in 3 adults report they are “finding it difficult to get by” financially.
• The U.S. has seen 24 natural disasters with losses of $1 billion each this year, impacting the lives of millions.

____ a regular beneficiary says, “_____”

In the Greater Chattanooga area, any kind of contribution can help fund essential programs and services, including but not limited to helping families overcome intergenerational poverty, food boxes, emergency rent and utility assistance, and after-school youth programs.

“Every donation is a message of hope to those facing hardships,” said Major Douglas McClure, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga. “It is inspiring to see the community here helping those in need. Whether it is a gift of a meal, warm clothes, or simply their time, it is all possible because of the donations and volunteers we have here in Chattanooga and Cleveland, who care so deeply about their community.”

TSA says that whether it is $5, $25, or more, every contribution has a significant impact.

Donations made by Dec. 31, 2024, may also be eligible for valuable tax benefits.

Community members can make a one-time donation or sign up to provide a sustaining gift of $25 a month at www.csarmy.org  or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

To learn more about The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga, please visit www.csarmy.org.

If you need services or know someone in need, call 423-756-1023 to ask about available local services.